The announcement that the Trump administration will be closing the PLO mission in Washington is more a symbolic act than one that might hurt the daily lives of Palestinians. The mission’s offices, according to the Palestinians themselves, don’t serve as a consulate or an embassy. Rather, they focus more on public relations and presenting the Palestinian narrative to the American public, members of Congress and the media, as well as to administration officials still willing to hear the Palestinian story.

Over the years, the impact of the mission’s work hasn’t really been felt on public opinion or decision-makers. The main PR efforts have been made by senior officials like Saeb Erekat, Hanan Ashrawi and Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki. PR efforts have also been in the hands of the Palestinian mission at the United Nations.

After the election of U.S. President Donald Trump, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas appointed Husam Zomlot as the Palestinian representative in Washington. Zomlot, who had previously served as Abbas’ strategic adviser and speaks fluent English, breathed new life into the mission. He uses social media extensively and has made frequent appearances in the U.S. and international media to convey the Palestinians’ messages and official stances on key issues in the conflict.

Read the full article at Haaretz here.